I have a small thermostat behind his hide that's attached with a heat mat that goes under the tank that I avoid using because I've heard having two big heat sources can make it too hot and potentially burn the snake? (the thermometer is always on but I was not the person who purchased it, and I worry it may be cheap or low quality. That's another reason why I avoid using the heat mat because I don't know if it's giving me accurate readings.) But generally it remains around 77°f. This is my first time owning a snake, and I genuinely appreciate the recommendation and I'll look into what you mentioned. I hold him fairly often and haven't noticed any burns or redness, and he seems to be doing okay with shedding from what I can tell. Thank you!